Compression Shirt with Grip-Enhancing Features

ABSTRACT

An athletic compression shirt suited for athletic performance, in particular in relation to football or rugby. The compression shirt includes a first grip-enhancing hole and a second grip-enhancing hole that increase a user&#39;s ability to grip and retain a cradled ball. The compression shirt includes a body and a sleeve. The first grip-enhancing hole traverses into the sleeve, adjacent to a bicep portion of the sleeve. The first grip-enhancing hole exposes the bicep region of the user to allow for a skin to leather connection. Similarly, the second grip-enhancing hole traverses into the sleeve, adjacent to an anterior forearm portion of the sleeve. The second grip-enhancing hole exposes the forearm region of the user to allow for a second skin to leather connection.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/153,027 filed on Apr. 27, 2015.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an alternative design for an athletic garment, in particular a football compression shirt. The present invention is a compression shirt with a multitude of ventilation ports which regulate body temperature and create a non-slip connection between an athlete's bicep, forearm, and a cradled football.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The proper technique for carrying a football includes using three points of pressure, the forearm, chest, and the bicep to cradle and prevent the ball from becoming dislodged. With most sleeved shirts, athletes playing in adverse weather, such as rain, snow, and sleet, experience reduced tactile feedback between a cradled football and the points of pressure located on the forearm and bicep. This is because the fabric of shirt absorbs and retains a small amount of moisture either from sweat, rain, or snow, resulting in the outer surface of the shirt becoming greasy and slippery. These conditions increase the chances of the ball being stripped from the athlete or the athlete accidentally losing the ball, resulting in a possible fumble.

The present invention overcomes the aforementioned shortcoming by exposing only the skin around the bicep and the forearm while simultaneously protecting the other areas of the arm. The present invention enables athletes to achieve a leather on skin connection while carrying the football, thus increasing tactile feedback and reducing the chances of water and ice buildup. Increased tactile feedback improves ball handling ability and reduces the turnover rate. To further secure the ball within the arm of the athlete, the present invention includes a multitude of anti-slip bands that engage the ball for additional grip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention being worn in conjunction with football protective gear.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention generally relates to athletic garments. The present invention is an upper body garment that promotes tactile feedback and increases the friction between a ball and an arm of the individual wearing the present invention. More specifically, the present invention facilitates carrying a football or a rugby ball in a grip that utilizes three main points of contact/pressure. Proper ball handling protocols dictate that a football to be cradled with three points of pressure: the forearm, the bicep, and the chest. When compared to traditional athletic shirts, the present invention improves upon two out of the three points of pressure, thus improving the handling capabilities of the user.

Referring to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a compression shirt 1, a first grip-enhancing hole 9, and a second grip-enhancing hole 11. The compression shirt 1 provides protection to the user's upper body from extreme temperatures, rain, sunlight, snow, and impact with external surfaces. The compressions shirt comprises a body 2 and an at least one sleeve 3. Similar to standard shirts, the body 2 covers and protects the torso of the user while the sleeve 3 covers and protects an arm of the user. Referring to FIG. 1, the sleeve 3 is perimetrically connected to an arm opening 8 of the body 2 and extends away from the body 2. The present invention is disclosed in relation to a single sleeve 3. This is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any manner. For example, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the compression shirt 1 comprises a left sleeve and a right sleeve as the at least one sleeve 3 as each sleeve is integrated with a first grip-enhancing hole 9 and a second grip-enhancing hole 11. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve 3 is shortened to only cover the upper portion of the arm. In this embodiment only the first grip-enhancing hole 9 is utilized as seen in FIG. 3. The compression shirt 1 is composed of materials which allow the compression shirt 1 to conforms to the user's body, provide moisture wicking capabilities, and improve blood flow to muscles. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the compressions shirt is composed of elastic material. Additional materials that may be used to manufacture the compression shirt 1 include, but are not limited to, microfibers, elastane, nylon, polyester, lycra, or any combination thereof.

Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the first grip-enhancing hole 9 and the second grip-enhancing hole 11 expose portions of the arm in order to increase tactile feedback for the user in between the user's arm and the cradled ball. This increases the user's ball control capabilities by providing the user more definitive information about the position and orientation of the cradled ball. Additionally, the first grip-enhancing hole 9 and the second grip-enhancing hole 11 provide a surface, i.e. the skin of the arm, which remains sufficiently ice-free and moisture-free while in cold, rainy, or snowy environments. This is an improvement on traditional shirts as these regions on traditional shirts are susceptible to ice and moisture build up on the exterior of the garment, thus increasing the possibility of the cradled ball coming into contact with a slippery surface and reducing the grip the user has over the cradled ball. The first grip-enhancing hole 9 is positioned adjacent to a bicep portion 4 of the sleeve 3 and traverses into the sleeve 3. More specifically, the first grip-enhancing hole 9 is positioned in between the arm opening 8 and an elbow crease 6 of the sleeve 3. As a result, when worn by the user, the first grip-enhancing hole 9 exposes the bicep region of the arm and allows the bicep region to come into direct contact with the cradled ball. The size, shape, and orientation of the first grip-enhancing hole 9 may vary in alternative embodiments of the present invention in order to meet the preferences and needs of the user.

The second grip-enhancing hole 11 is positioned adjacent to an anterior forearm portion 5 of the sleeve 3 and traverses into sleeve 3. More specifically, the second grip-enhancing hole 11 is positioned in between the elbow crease 6 and a cuff 7 of the sleeve 3. As a result, when worn by the user, the second grip-enhancing hole 11 exposes the forearm region of the arm and allows the forearm region to come into direct contact with the cradled ball. Because the compression shirt 1 is composed of elastic material, the fabric around the first grip-enhancing hole 9 and the second grip-enhancing hole 11 is able to expand and contract to a significant degree, thus ensuring a comfortable fit and feel for the user. Similar to the first grip-enhancing hole 9, the size, shape, and orientation of the second grip-enhancing hole 11 may vary in alternative embodiments of the present invention in order to meet the preferences and needs of the user.

The first grip-enhancing hole 9 and the second grip-enhancing hole 11 are each an elliptical shape. The curved shape ensures that the fabric around the first grip-enhancing hole 9 and the second grip-enhancing hole 11 does not endure any pressure points. This increases the longevity of the present invention as pressure points in the fabric often lead to rips and tears within the sleeve 3. Additionally, the most optimal orientation for the first grip-enhancing hole 9 and the second grip-enhancing hole 11 is illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein a major axis 10 of the first grip-enhancing hole 9 and a major axis 12 of the second grip-enhancing hole 11 are aligned along a length of the sleeve 3. The elliptical shape, in conjunction with the aforementioned orientation, optimally conforms the curvature of the arm to only expose the minimum amount of skin necessary to engage the cradled ball at the bicep region and the forearm region.

The present invention further increases the friction between the cradled ball and the carrier through the use of a first anti-slip band 13 and a second anti-slip band 14. The first anti-slip band 13 is a strip of high-friction material that is positioned around the first grip-enhancing hole 9 in order to further secure the cradled ball in place at the bicep region. More specifically, the first anti-slip band 13 is perimetrically positioned around the first grip-enhancing hole 9 as seen in FIG. 1. The first anti-slip band 13 is adjacently connected to the sleeve 3. The first anti-slip band 13 may be connected to the sleeve 3 through any traditional means including, but not limited to, adhesive, sewing, and other similar methods. The thickness and width of the first anti-slip band 13 may vary in alternative embodiments of the present invention depending on the needs and preferences of the user. The second anti-slip band 14 is a strip of high-friction material that is positioned around the second grip-enhancing hole 11 in order to further secure the cradled ball in place at the forearm region. More specifically, the second anti-slip band 14 is perimetrically positioned around the second grip-enhancing hole 11 as seen in FIG. 1. The second anti-slip band 14 is adjacently connected to the sleeve 3. The second anti-slip band 14 may be connected to the sleeve 3 through any traditional means including, but not limited to, adhesive, sewing, and other similar methods. The thickness and width of the second anti-slip band 14 may vary in alternative embodiments of the present invention depending on the needs and preferences of the user. For official use in the major football leagues, the present invention will not contain the first anti-slip band 13 and the second anti-slip band 14 as these type of features are illegal.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compression shirt with grip-enhancing features comprises: a compression shirt; a first grip-enhancing hole; the compression shirt comprises a body and an at least one sleeve; the sleeve being perimetrically connected to an arm opening of the body; the first grip-enhancing hole being positioned adjacent to a bicep portion of the sleeve; and the first grip-enhancing hole traversing into the sleeve.
 2. The compression shirt with grip-enhancing features as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a second grip-enhancing hole; the second grip-enhancing hole being positioned adjacent to an anterior forearm portion of the sleeve; and the second grip-enhancing hole traversing into the sleeve.
 3. The compression shirt with grip-enhancing features as claimed in claim 2 comprises: the second grip-enhancing hole being an elliptical shape; a major axis of the second grip-enhancing hole being aligned along a length of the sleeve; and the second grip-enhancing hole being positioned in between an elbow crease of the sleeve and a cuff of the sleeve.
 4. The compression shirt with grip-enhancing features as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the first grip-enhancing hole being an elliptical shape; a major axis of the first grip-enhancing hole being aligned along a length of the sleeve; and the first grip-enhancing hole being positioned in between the arm opening and an elbow crease of the sleeve.
 5. The compression shirt with grip-enhancing features as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a first anti-slip band; the first anti-slip band being perimetrically positioned around the first grip-enhancing hole; and the first anti-slip band being adjacently connected to the sleeve.
 6. The compression shirt with grip-enhancing features as claimed in claim 2 comprises: a second anti-slip band; the second anti-slip band being perimetrically positioned around a second grip-enhancing hole; and the second anti-slip band being adjacently connected to the sleeve.
 7. The compression shirt with grip-enhancing features as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compression shirt is composed of elastic material.
 8. A compression shirt with grip-enhancing features comprises: a compression shirt; a first grip-enhancing hole; a second grip-enhancing hole; the compression shirt comprises a body and an at least one sleeve; the sleeve being perimetrically connected to an arm opening of the body; the first grip-enhancing hole being positioned adjacent to a bicep portion of the sleeve; the first grip-enhancing hole traversing into the sleeve; the second grip-enhancing hole being positioned adjacent to an anterior forearm portion of the sleeve; and the second grip-enhancing hole traversing into the sleeve.
 9. The compression shirt with grip-enhancing features as claimed in claim 8 comprises: the second grip-enhancing hole being an elliptical shape; a major axis of the second grip-enhancing hole being aligned along a length of the sleeve; and the second grip-enhancing hole being positioned in between an elbow crease of the sleeve and a cuff of the sleeve.
 10. The compression shirt with grip-enhancing features as claimed in claim 8 comprises: the first grip-enhancing hole being an elliptical shape; a major axis of the first grip-enhancing hole being aligned along a length of the sleeve; and the first grip-enhancing hole being positioned in between the arm opening and an elbow crease of the sleeve.
 11. The compression shirt with grip-enhancing features as claimed in claim 8 comprises: a first anti-slip band; the first anti-slip band being perimetrically positioned around the first grip-enhancing hole; and the first anti-slip band being adjacently connected to the sleeve.
 12. The compression shirt with grip-enhancing features as claimed in claim 8 comprises: a second anti-slip band; the second anti-slip band being perimetrically positioned around a second grip-enhancing hole; and the second anti-slip band being adjacently connected to the sleeve.
 13. The compression shirt with grip-enhancing features as claimed in claim 8, wherein the compression shirt is composed of elastic material.
 14. A compression shirt with grip-enhancing features comprises: a compression shirt; a first grip-enhancing hole; a second grip-enhancing hole; the compression shirt comprises a body and an at least one sleeve; the sleeve being perimetrically connected to an arm opening of the body; the first grip-enhancing hole being positioned adjacent to a bicep portion of the sleeve; the first grip-enhancing hole traversing into the sleeve; the second grip-enhancing hole being positioned adjacent to an anterior forearm portion of the sleeve; the second grip-enhancing hole traversing into the sleeve; the first grip-enhancing hole being an elliptical shape; and the second grip-enhancing hole being an elliptical shape.
 15. The compression shirt with grip-enhancing features as claimed in claim 14 comprises: the second grip-enhancing hole being an elliptical shape; a major axis of the second grip-enhancing hole being aligned along a length of the sleeve; and the second grip-enhancing hole being positioned in between an elbow crease of the sleeve and a cuff of the sleeve.
 16. The compression shirt with grip-enhancing features as claimed in claim 14 comprises: a major axis of the first grip-enhancing hole being aligned along a length of the sleeve; and the first grip-enhancing hole being positioned in between the arm opening and an elbow crease of the sleeve.
 17. The compression shirt with grip-enhancing features as claimed in claim 14 comprises: a first anti-slip band; the first anti-slip band being perimetrically positioned around the first grip-enhancing hole; and the first anti-slip band being adjacently connected to the sleeve.
 18. The compression shirt with grip-enhancing features as claimed in claim 14 comprises: a second anti-slip band; the second anti-slip band being perimetrically positioned around a second grip-enhancing hole; and the second anti-slip band being adjacently connected to the sleeve.
 19. The compression shirt with grip-enhancing features as claimed in claim 14, wherein the compression shirt is composed of elastic material. 